TRW’S TRANSFER XI

With the transfer window now shut and the 25 man squads have all been handed in by the teams we thought we would take a look at some of the Premier League’s new arrivals.

There have been so many new recruits (especially at the likes of Manchester City) but we have chosen just 11 who think have the potential to really make an impact at their clubs.

Stipe Pletikosa

Tottenham Hotspur have brought in experienced Croatian goal-keeper Stipe Pletikosa on loan from Spartak Moscow. The 31 year old will provide good competition for Gomes and Cudicini. Pletikosa will join up with a Spurs team who already boast three Croatians in; Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka.

Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso joined Bolton Wanderers after having been part of Real Madrid since he was a kid. Well at just 19 you could say he is still a kid… The young defender can play left back or left wing. We could possibly have another Gareth Bale on our hands. The Spaniard likes to press forward and could add an exciting attacking dimension to Bolton.

Jerome Boateng

At TRW, we are big fans of Jerome’s half brother Kevin-Prince. Although KP saw his Portsmouth side get relegated last season, the midfielder’s form was impressive. Jerome had a good World Cup with Germany and now we hope to see his ability shine through in the Premier League just like his brother.

Laurent Koscielny

Arsene Wenger enjoys young French players and seems to have found another rising French star. (Perhaps he should take the job of French National coach.) Laurent Koscielny arrives at Arsenal with a real chance to impress. Two older French defenders were let go by Arsenal at the end of last season. William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre’s departures have paved the way for Koscielny to establish himself at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.

James Perch

James Perch is a name Premier League fans won’t be familiar with, but those avid League One fans will. Perch has played 190 games for Nottingham Forest and now gets his chance to impress at the highest level with Newcastle. Still just 24 years of age, Perch can play almost anywhere across the back and in midfield. He reminds us a little of John O’Shea. The question is whether or not he will hold down a spot in the starting 11 or be a bench-warming jack of all trades.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Another Newcastle recruit, Ben Arfa has promised a lot for a while now but has yet to really realize his potential. Ben Arfa made 60 appearances for both Lyon and Marseille. Now the young French winger has a chance to impress in the Premier League.

Raul Meireles

Liverpool have lost Xavi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the last two seasons. The purchase of Aquilani seems to have been deemed a failure so Reds fans will be hoping for some better performances from Raul Meireles. The Portuguese midfielder impressed at the World Cup playing in every match for Portugal. He could be the Gerrard complementing midfielder Liverpool have been looking for.

Rafael van der Vaart

We think that Harry Redknapp has pulled another rabbit out the bag. Just a few days ago Harry said he needed another Modric and we agreed. Well, we think he has got his man. The deadline day coup from Real Madrid came at a bargain price. Van der Vaart is a brilliant passer and technically gifted player. We look forward to seeing the impact he can make in the Premier League.

Jermaine Pennant

So this could be a little bit of a cheat. Pennant has been in the Premier League before. The ex-Arsenal and Liverpool winger has been in Spain playing with Real Zaragoza and now has an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be successful in the Premier League. Stoke have done some good business in the transfer window but Pennant is the one we are most excited about.

Asamoah Gyan

There are so many forwards we could have chosen in our Transfer XI but after his fine display at the World Cup, we couldn’t leave out Asamoah Gyan. Gyan is only 24 and has a bright and promising future ahead of him. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has done a lot of shopping in the attacking department and Gyan is the crown of his purchases. African stars are becoming more and more sought after and we think Gyan can have as big an impact as some of his fellow Africans such as Drogba and Essien.

Marouane Chamakh

Marouane Chamakh came to Arsenal on free transfer. What a bargain! The Moroccan forward was prolific for Bordeaux and has looked a real threat for Arsenal in the three Premier League games he has played. Robin van Persie is a brilliant footballer but Arsenal have suffered because of his injury problems. Chamakh has the potential to step into the Dutchman’s shoes and perhaps even become Arsenal’s number one striker.